Stephen Bennett, Demex Group's Chief Scientist, will lead the Industry Advisory Board for the newly formed Cooperative Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Convective Storms. The Center aims to address the increasing economic impact of severe thunderstorms.
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| A new initiative to address the growing threat of severe convective storms has received a significant boost with the appointment of Stephen Bennett, Chief Scientist of Demex Group, to lead the Industry Advisory Board for the Cooperative Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Convective Storms. |
New York, USA - September 17, 2024:
A new initiative to address the growing threat of severe convective storms has received a significant boost with the appointment of Stephen Bennett, Chief Scientist of Demex Group, to lead the Industry Advisory Board for the Cooperative Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Convective Storms.
The Center, a joint effort by Northern Illinois University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and key industry players, aims to develop innovative solutions to the challenges posed by severe thunderstorms, which have become increasingly destructive in recent years. The initiative is supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
Bennett, a renowned weather and climate scientist with extensive experience in risk analytics, will bring his expertise to the table as the Center seeks to better understand and mitigate the impacts of severe convective storms. His role will be crucial in bridging the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that research efforts are aligned with the practical needs of insurers and other stakeholders.
As the frequency and intensity of severe thunderstorms continue to rise, the economic and social costs associated with these events have also been escalating. In the United States alone, insured losses from severe convective storms have increased by approximately 8% per year since 2008. The Center's research will focus on developing improved forecasting models, developing early warning systems, and exploring innovative risk management strategies.
The appointment of Stephen Bennett to lead the Industry Advisory Board is a positive step towards addressing the challenges posed by severe convective storms. His expertise and leadership will be invaluable in guiding the Center's research efforts and ensuring that the results are relevant and impactful.